Brazen Phone Scammer Caught Trying to Squeeze More Money from Same Victims

Seoul Guard Five Post Office Employee Uses Quick Thinking to Prevent Secondary Damage to Customer

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] A brazen voice phishing scammer attempted a second crime against a woman in her 60s who did not even realize she had been victimized, but failed due to the quick thinking of a post office employee.

The Korea Post announced on the 9th that, thanks to the accurate judgment and swift response of an employee at the Seoul Garden Five Post Office, they prevented a voice phishing scam impersonating the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) that could have led to secondary damage, thereby protecting approximately 10 million won of the customer's assets.

Ms. A, a woman in her 60s, visited the Seoul Garden Five Post Office on the 1st to apply for a loan against an insurance refund. When employee Mr. B asked about the reason for the loan, Ms. A explained, "Last Friday, I received a call from someone claiming to be an FSS employee regarding a capital loan and handed over 10.5 million won in cash. However, that person then said, 'The transfer amount was incorrect, so if you transfer 11 million won again, I will return 10.5 million won,' so I am applying for a loan to make up the shortfall."

Suspecting it was a voice phishing scam, employee Mr. B explained to customer Ms. A that this was a typical case of fraud impersonating an FSS employee, then made a confirmation call to the FSS. As a result, they were able to prevent secondary damage following the initial victimization.

Meanwhile, cases where post office employees have prevented customers from falling victim to voice phishing through quick judgment have reached 147 cases totaling 3.9 billion won this year alone (353 cases and 10.5 billion won over the past three years).

The Korea Post stated, "As voice phishing tactics become increasingly sophisticated and intelligent, we will publish a collection of voice phishing cases and strengthen employee training," adding, "We will continue to do our best to protect the valuable assets of the public and expand rewards for employees who actively work to prevent fraud."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.